Thread protector



y 1961 H. G. RETHERFORD 2,983,467

THREAD PROTECTOR Filed Nov. 24, 1958 i i i INVENTOR. #05465 G. ZEWZZFJZDA7702A/EY l United dtates Patent THREAD PROTECTOR Horace G. Retherford,Rte. 1, Box 309, Corona, Calif. Filed Nov. 24, 1958, Ser. No. 775,746

2 Claims. emu-137.1

This invention relates to a thread protecting device, and itparticularly relates to a device for protecting thread while on a spool.

It is well known that it is often difficult to keep the thread on aspool straight and untangled. However, the cost of using any complexdevice for preventing this would be entirely disproportionate to thevalue of the thread. Consequently, no means has heretofore been devisedto adequately perform this function.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a simple device forpreventing tangling of thread on a spool, which device is easy to useand contains no complex parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a protectivedevice of the aforesaid type which is adaptable to a variety of spoolsizes and which permits the thread to be exposed to view.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide an improvedprotective device, of the character described, that is easily andeconomically produced, which is sturdy in construction, and which ishighly eflicient in operation.

With the above and related objects in view, this invention consists inthe details of construction and combination of parts, as will be morefully understood from the following description, when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a protective device embodying thepresent invention.

Fig. 2 is an end view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an end view, similar to Fig. 2, but with the spool removed.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, wherein similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts, there is shown a protective device,generally designated 10, comprising a hollow sleeve 12 constructed of aresilient or flexible material which is also preferably transparent ortranslucent. A very acceptable material for this purpose is.polyethylene, although other materials may be used as desired.

The sleeve 12 is generally somewhat cylindrical in shape and, asillustrated, includes a somewhat cylindrical side wall and an end wall14 at one end, the opposite end being open.

2,983,467 Patented May 9, 1961 The open end 16 of the sleeve 12 isnormally elliptical in shape (as best shown in Fig. 5) and is defined bya rim having oppositely-disposed, beaded ribs or ridges 18.

In use, the spool 20 with thread 22 wound thereon in such manner that afree end portion 24 of the thread shape (as best shown in Fig. 2).

The thread 22 on the spool 20 is kept in position on the spool while itis in the sleeve 12; however, the free end 24 of the thread extendsfreely through the opening 16 in a position accessible to the user.

The transparent or translucent nature of the sleeve 12 permits visualinspection ofthe thread on the spool to determine its nature, quality,color or other characteristics, while the closed end 14 acts as aprotective means against dust, dirt and the like, especially when thedevice is turned to stand on the open end 16 of the sleeve 12. However,if desired, the device may be constructed of opaque material. Also, ifdesired, the closed end 14 of the sleeve 12 may be made somewhat open.

The flexible nature and construction of the protector 10 permits it tobe used with spools of various dimensions; and the simplicity joinedwith the effectiveness of the device makes it of utmost economicfeasibility.

, Although this invention has been described in considerable detail,such description is intended as being illustrative rather than limiting,since the invention may be variously embodied, and the scope of theinvention is to be determined as claimed.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, whatis claimed is:

1. In combination, a flexible unitary sleeve of generally somewhatcylindrical shape, a normally elliptical opening at one end of saidsleeve, the area of said unitary sleeve adjacent said elliptical openingbeing an elliptical extension of said somewhat cylindrical sleeve, and aspool having thread wound thereon within said sleeve,

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS204,758 Rice June 11, 1878 744,846 Williams Nov. 24, 1903 900,464 AlfredOct. 6, 1908 2,125,354 Meier Aug. 2, 1938 2,498,202 Dingman Feb. 21,1950 Stiller Feb. 2, 1954

